Report Cards
Remember that hard copies of report cards were not distributed this year. To access your child's report card, sign into your NYC Schools Account. Have a wonderful and safe summer.
PS 166
Wellness Wednesdays
This year in addition to the RULER Approach and Responsive Classroom’s Morning Meeting, we had Wellness Wednesdays where students engaged in a social emotional learning lesson with various read aloud books and discussion questions. We designed these lessons based on the core competencies identified by CASEL (the Collaborative for Academic, Social and Emotional Learning). These 5 competencies are: self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision making. Each month a different topic was presented along with a book, supplementary videos, and differentiated questions.
Please find the link to the list of books read this year below! Also included are student book suggestions.
Announcements
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Report Cards
Remember that hard copies of report cards were not distributed this year. To access your child's report card, sign into your NYC Schools Account. Have a wonderful and safe summer.
PS 166 -
2021-2022 School Calendar
In case you missed the Special Announcement sent earlier this week, click here for the 2021-2022 School Calendar
PS 166 -
2021-2022: Are you Returning to PS 166?
It is that time of year where we ask the question: Do you plan for your child to return to PS 166 in the fall?
Please take the SURVEY and answer yes, no or maybe. Your answers are in no way binding! This is just a way to start planning for the number of classes we need for each grade.
Please do not answer for your current fifth grade students. We know they won't be here in September.PS 166
Health + Safety
It has never been easier to get a COVID-19 vaccination in NYC. People 12 and older are eligible for the vaccine. Those who are fully vaccinated can more safely gather with friends and enjoy other benefits of vaccination, so get your shot today.
Many vaccination sites in the city no longer require appointments. See a list of sites where you can get a walk-up vaccination today.
To find a vaccination site near you, including those that take appointments, use the City's Vaccine Finder (not accessible with Internet Explorer). Note, people who are 12 to 17 years old can only receive the Pfizer vaccine.
Learn more about which groups are eligible for vaccination covered by the State's latest guidance.
Individuals 12+ are able to book vaccine appointments at many locations throughout the city using the NYC Vaccine Finder or by calling 1-877-VAX-4NYC. Text COVID to 692-692 to receive real-time updates on vaccine distribution.
Most city-run sites are offering walk-up vaccinations without an appointment, including for individuals 12 years and older.
Watch the COVID Vaccine: Doing Our Part Video to hear from NYC DHS and HRA leaders about what the COVID-19 vaccine meant for them.
Tech Information
Technical Support for Remote Learning Devices
Families who need technical support for their student's DOE iPad now have the option of contacting AppleCare Support for the NYCDOE. Call 1-800-919-2775, and when prompted, enter the PIN 692363. (Only call AppleCare to ask about setting up your iPad once you've received the device; don't call to check on the status of a device request.) Families whose iPads are not working can also call the DOE's Help Desk at 718-935-5100 or submit a ticket online.
DOE Tech Support
https://www.schools.nyc.gov/learning/learn-at-home/technical-tools-and-support/technical-support-for-families
Free or Low-Cost Internet Options
https://www.schools.nyc.gov/learning/learn-at-home/technical-tools-and-support/free-and-low-cost-internet-options
To switch to All-Remote Learning
https://www.nycenet.edu/surveys/learningpreference
Community Updates
Middle school lottery survey
If you participated in this year’s middle school lottery, please share your experience.
Apply for the Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB)
Receive up to $50/month credit towards broadband service through this FCC program, and up to $100 for a laptop, desktop, or tablet for households struggling to afford internet service during the pandemic.
Mental Health Resources & Information
DOE: Mental Health Impacts All of Us
- Mental health impacts not only our students but our families, schools, and communities.
- One in five children struggle, or at some point in their life will struggle, with their mental health.
- Half of all mental-health and substance-use conditions start before age 14.
- Approximately one in five students who could benefit from additional mental-health supports does not get them.
- Get Help Immediately: Text "WELL" to 65173, call 1-888-NYC-WELL (692-9355), or chat now.
- For more information on Mental Health Supports, visit the DOE’s web site.
THRIVENYC
Call 1-888-NYC-WELL If you are thinking about suicide, or know someone who is[ counselors are available to listen to and support you 24/7. Contact NYC Well by calling 888-NYC-WELL (888-692-9355), texting “WELL” to 65173 or chatting at nyc.gov/nycwell. If you or someone you know is at immediate risk of hurting themselves, or in immediate danger because of a health condition or other situation, call 911.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800-273-8255
Available 24 hours, in English & Spanish
Recent Mayoral Forums Addressing Education
- Council for School Supervisors and Administrators: The State of Education Forum
- PLACE (Parent Leaders for Accelerated Curriculum and Education): Education First Forum
- NYU / Columbia Mayoral forum: NYC Mayoral Candidates Education Policy Panel
PTA Announcements
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Open Volunteer Roles
We have a few roles that need to be filled in order to help our community run smoothly! If you've been wanting to get involved, and are looking for a task that you may be able to organize from home and on your own time, please consider taking on one of following roles for the coming year that are currently organized by graduating 5th grade parents who can train and answer questions about these jobs:
- Google Group Moderator - monitor messages for courtesy, function, and appropriate content in compliance with group member guidelines.
- School Supply ordering - manage and order general school supplies and printer ink for teachers and staff as needed.
- School ID and Security cards - oversee production of ID cards for parents and guardians to enter the school through a computerized system. Helps keep our children safe, and streamlines building entry procedures.
- AC Maintenance - check in bi-annually on AC, filter, and ventilation maintenance w head janitor Judith, and coordinate maintenance w AC company
Please reach out to Annalisa to learn more!
PTA -
PTA Election Results
Congratulations to our new PTA Executive Board and newly elected parent SLT members! The following are the results of the May 25th parent elections:
PTA Executive Board
Co-Presidents: Kristin Savov and Annalisa Petersen
Co-Treasurers: Emilie Wang and Geeta Koolwal
Recording Secretary: Sarah Sevier
VP Fundraising: Simon Franceschi
VP Events & Volunteers: Tiffany Boyer
VP Grants: Radi Morris
Financial Secretary: Ken Connolly
Communications Secretary: Amie Ray
SLT
Christine Nuzum
Jenny Passero
Yael SwicaPTA -
Parent-Owned Businesses
Please also consider supporting our very own PS166 parent-owned businesses! If you’d like to add your own business to the list, please email us.
PTA -
Amazon Smile
If you’re shopping on Amazon, please be sure to activate Amazon Smile by going to smile.amazon.com and selecting Friends of PS 166 Inc as the charity recipient. A percentage of each purchase will go support our school!
PTA
Green Committee
Advocacy Opportunity
Support the inclusion of climate change education into NY State High Schools by signing this petition.
Good News - electric buses
NYC’s first electric school buses will be added to the school bus fleet in September.
Composting
Families looking for places to take their food scraps for composting can search this list of current options,
- Sunday 12:00-1:00PM - 90th btw Columbus/Amsterdam- Westside Community Garden (the garden across from PS166)
- Sunday 9:00-3:00PM - 77th btw Columbus/CPW- 79th Street Greenmarket
- Wednesday 4:00-6:00PM - 107th & Columbus- Reclaimed Organics (NOTE: there's a suggested monetary contribution based on volume deposited)
- Friday 8:00-12.30PM - 97th St Greenmarket (between Columbus & Amsterdam)
- Saturday 11:00-1:00PM (weather permitting) - W138th St & 12th Ave- Jenny's Garden
Want more information? Click here for more composting sites and information.
Textile Recycling
While our collection of clothing / textiles for recycling is also still on hold, clothing, shoes, and linens can be taken to the Farmer’s Market at Morningside Park, 110th and Manhattan Ave, on Saturdays from 9 am til 3 pm. In addition, Wearable Collections will pick up from your residence, although there is now a fee, and a large minimum amount: https://www.wearablecollections.com/homepickups
Another option is Pick Up Please: https://pickupplease.org/
Be sure to check out the Green Committee Home Page for more info.
Inclusion Committee
Dyslexia and LD's: Warning Signs and How to Advocate for Your Children
Links for those who missed last week’s event or need resources: Video | Slides | Resources
Understanding your early childhood program options
Check out AFC's Guide to Early Childhood Education Programs for 3 and 4 year olds for the 2021-2022 school year, and our Summary of COVID-19 Changes to Preschool Special Education (available in English and Spanish)
Advocates for Children Resources
Have questions about applying to middle or high school for students with IEPs? Watch Advocates for Children of NY's recent webinar about the application process for students with disabilities.
Advocates for Children of New York's Education Helpline provides individualized guidance and information for your education-related issues. Assistance available in multiple languages: Monday-Thursday, 10am - 4pm; (866) 427-6033.
DOE Free Webinars on Literacy
Designed to support families of students with disabilities during remote learning, they will focus on the basic theory and practice of good reading instruction, and share everyday activities for parents to use at home with their child. Learn more and register
Disability Pride Parade Visual Art Contest
The NYC DOE’s Disability Pride Parade Visual Art Contest is open to all Pre K - 12 students. Recognizing that art is an invaluable means of expression and communication, the DOE is encouraging students to develop visual representations of what the phrase, “Nothing About Us Without Us,” means to them. Contest finalists will be invited to a special reception, as well as have their artwork featured in a NYC art gallery and on promotional materials for the Disability Pride Parade. The deadline for submissions is Friday, March 13, 2020. All interested students should speak with their Art teacher.
ADVOCATES FOR CHILDREN’S TURNING 5 WORKSHOPS: KINDERGARTEN ADMISSIONS.
These workshops will cover the process for applying to DOE public schools, including tips for researching schools, ways to submit an application, understanding how school offers are made, what to do when you get an offer, and more. See all webinar dates and register
Continued Special Education Services during Remote Learning
Your child continues to have the right to receive the special education supports listed on their IEP during remote learning. If you have questions or concerns, reach out to the Special Education office at specialeducation@schools.nyc.gov or call 311, or contact your child’s special education providers to confirm scheduling options for all-remote services.
Webinar: DOE’s Temporary Transition for Fully Remote Learning
Hosted by NYCDOE Division of Specialized Instruction and Student Support. Join DOE representatives to learn more about what the transition to fully-remote learning means for students with IEPs.
Advocates for Children Education Helpline:
This Education Helpline provides individualized guidance and information for your education-related issues. Monday-Thursday, 10am -4pm. Translators available. (866) 427-6033
Food Allergy Support - Return to School
If you are a parent or a guardian of a child with food allergies, you can explore some useful recommendations from the Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE) group regarding return to school:
PS166 Family Guide to 504 Accommodations
Please visit the 504 Accommodations Page for information on whether your child is eligible to receive health services or accommodations in school under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act
For additional information related to 504 accommodations, you can review the Department of Education’s Student and Family Guide here.
Become a Certified Parent Member of the IEP Team!
The Parent Member is a member of the IEP team that supports a parent of a child with a disability at their IEP meeting. In this state-approved FREE training, learn about procedures and regulations, as well as how to promote the parent's understanding and participation. For more information, please visit here.
We are looking for new Inclusion Committee Co-Chairs. Please email the VP Volunteers if you are interested.
